Headache and Migraine Epidemiology and Functional Impairment among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Maisam Hama Murad  Majeed; Kalthum Mohammed  Gharib; Sanaa Othman  Karim; Bestun Ibrahim  Hama Rahim; Bushra Jabbar Hamarashid; Bayan Omar  Sharif

doi:10.36321/kjns.vi20252.21004

Authors

Maisam Hama Murad Majeed College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Kalthum Mohammed Gharib College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Sanaa Othman Karim College of Nursing, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Bestun Ibrahim Hama Rahim Public Health Department, Sulaimani Technical Institute, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Bushra Jabbar Hamarashid Collage of Nursing, University of Human Development, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Bayan Omar Sharif Collage of Nursing, University of Human Development, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5347-8118

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36321/kjns.vi20252.21004

Keywords:

Migraine, Headache, Nursing students, Epidemiology, Functional impairment

Abstract

Background: Headaches frequently affect nursing students, fueled by intense academic demands and psychological stress. Among these, migraine—a severe form of headache characterized by pulsatile pain, nausea, and light or sound sensitivity—poses a notable public health concern, particularly for university populations vulnerable to stress‑related triggers.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical features, and daily impact of migraine among nursing students at the University of Sulaimani.

Methodology: A quantitative design, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among all stages of nursing students to assess prevalence, clinical features, and impact of migraine on daily functioning among nursing students at the University of Sulaimani from the period of 5th November 2023 to 15th June 2024 by using a standard tool based on the ICHD-3 criteria. Content validity was confirmed by five experts, and reliability was verified using split-half and Cronbach’s alpha (r = 0.83). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Out of 109 students reporting headaches, only 48 (44%) had migraine headaches.

Results: 109 students 54.1% female and 45.9% were male experienced headaches. Out of these 109 students 48 (44.0%), 58.3% female and 41.7% male of them had migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition criteria tool for migraine. The most frequently cited trigger was too little sleep (77.1%), and the leading self‑care strategy was lying down or sleeping during attacks (82.6%). Unilateral head pain was the predominant symptom (68.8%), followed by phonophobia (56.9%) and pulsating quality (45.9%). Functionally, 62.4% missed 1–3 university days in the past three months due to headache, and 57.8% reported reduced study or work productivity on 1–3 days.

Conclusion: Headache is highly prevalent among nursing students, with nearly half of those affected meeting the criteria for migraine, and women disproportionately represented. Common triggers such as inadequate sleep and the widespread reliance on rest‑based relief strategies emphasize key areas for targeted support. Migraines clearly impair academic performance especially study and work productivity and daily functioning.